ICE LOVE STORY: The Lives, Careers, and Lessons of a Married ICE Couple

WASHINGTON - The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shared the inspiring story of two senior U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials who are married.

Michell Chase and Timothy Stone met in Domestic Operations at ICE in 2019. They went on to get married in a Moroccan ceremony, where they have spent the past two years following Tim's assignment there as an attaché. Michell initially retired to join him before rejoining ICE a few years later.

Timothy Stone and Michell Chase at the U.S. Embassy Morocco Marine Ball

Tim grew up in Texas, where he served as a police officer in Midland for nearly eight years before joining the U.S. Customs Office of Investigations. He was inspired to join law enforcement and fight drug-trafficking due to his own parents' drug use. He was among the last Customs class before the agency transitioned to ICE. He currently serves as division chief for the Western Hemisphere in Homeland Security Investigations' (HSI) International Operations.

Michell grew up in Pulaski, New York, near the Canadian border. She developed an early interest in law enforcement after she was inspired by the character Clarice Starling in "The Silence of the Lambs." Her fascination with criminal investigations only grew stronger when she took a class on the history of serial killers at SUNY Oswego. She graduated in December of 2000 and pursued a career with the U.S. Customs Service, attending the academy by May of 2001 and securing the only position she sought after college.

Tim and Michell at their Moroccan wedding

"We understand that you don't always choose your mission," said Tim Stone, Division Chief for the Western Hemisphere in HSI's International Operations. "Sometimes, Michell has to deploy, and I know that's part of the job. It's not always easy, but we accept it as an investment in our careers. We both enjoy what we do. Being passionate about your work makes it easier to handle the demands and competing priorities."

"Tim has helped me grow as a person and encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, create new opportunities and programs, and not just go day to day," said Michell Chase, ICE Peer Support National Program Manager. "We complement each other. Coming from humble backgrounds, we often reflect on how far we've come and appreciate the agency for the opportunities it provides."

As coworkers, they have collaborated on expanding the Peer Support Program internationally, which ensures that locally employed staff and embassy personnel have access to resources. They have also worked together to secure funds for overseas training and adapt to new processes.

They also reflected on their experiences living abroad, from building friendships with American teachers and embassy staff to connecting with local business owners, as well as the sense of community created by working with many of the same people due to their shared occupation.

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